NomOrigine Background

Last Name Katagiri

What is the origin of the last name Katagiri?

Katagiri is a Japanese surname. In Japanese, "kata" means "side" or "direction" and "giri" means "cut" or "chop," so Katagiri could potentially mean "cut down on the side" or "chop on the side." This surname likely originated from a place name or a descriptive term for someone with a particular occupation or trait. The exact origin and meaning of the surname may vary depending on the specific family or region in Japan.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Katagiri

The meaning and origin of the last name Katagiri

The surname Katagiri originates from Japan and is spelled as 片桐 in kanji characters. The first character 片 (kata) means "one-sided" or "part" while the second character 桐 (giri) refers to the paulownia tree, a symbol of prosperity and good luck in Japanese culture. Therefore, the surname Katagiri can be translated as "one-sided paulownia" or "part of the paulownia tree." It is believed that this surname may have originated from a person who lived near or worked with paulownia trees, or who owned land with these trees growing on it. Paulownia trees are also used in Japan for timber and as a source of nectar for honeybees, indicating that the Katagiri family may have had connections to the forestry or agriculture industries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Katagiri

The last name Katagiri is a relatively common surname in Japan, with a concentration in the Kanto region, particularly in Saitama and Chiba prefectures. This surname is believed to have originated from the Katagiri clan, a powerful samurai family during the Edo period. Today, individuals with the last name Katagiri can also be found in other parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Osaka. The name itself has significance in Japanese culture, with "kata" meaning "shoulder" and "giri" meaning "obligation" or "duty". As a result, the name Katagiri is often associated with traits such as strength, loyalty, and honor. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Katagiri reflects its historical significance and continued presence in modern Japan.

Variants and spellings of the last name Katagiri

The last name Katagiri can be spelled in various ways and has several variations. Some of the alternate spellings include Katagili, Kattagiri, Katagari, Kattagari, Kattigiri, Kattagire, and Kattagiri. These variations may be influenced by different dialects or transliterations of the name from Japanese to English. Despite the different spellings, all variations of the name Katagiri typically trace back to a common origin and have the same meaning. It is important to note that the surname Katagiri is not a common name in Western countries, so variations may vary depending on the phonetic interpretation and the person's preferred spelling.

Famous people with the last name Katagiri

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Katagiri is Tesshu Yamaoka, a renowned master swordsman and martial artist from Japan. Known for his exceptional skill and expertise in combat, Yamaoka Katagiri was a prominent figure in the Meiji era and played a significant role in the development of the martial arts community in Japan. Another well-known individual with the surname Katagiri is Dennis Genpo Merzel, a prominent American Zen teacher and author. Merzel Katagiri is recognized for his contributions to the spread of Zen Buddhism in the West and his innovative teaching methods that have inspired countless practitioners around the world. Both Yamaoka Katagiri and Merzel Katagiri have left a lasting impact on their respective fields and continue to be celebrated for their profound influence and legacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Katagiri

The surname Katagiri is of Japanese origin and is commonly found in the Kanto region of Japan. The name Katagiri is believed to have originated from a place name, indicating that the original bearers of the name may have been from or associated with the village of Katagiri. Genealogical research on the Katagiri surname reveals a long and illustrious history, with some notable individuals bearing the name holding positions of power and influence in Japanese society. The surname Katagiri is said to have been first recorded in historical documents dating back to feudal Japan, suggesting that the family has been present in the region for centuries. Today, individuals with the surname Katagiri can be found not only in Japan but also in countries around the world, as a result of migration and globalization.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Katab (Last name)

surnames > katab

The last name "Katab" is of Arabic origin. In Arabic, "Katab" (قتاب) means "to write" or "to document". This last name may have been given to individuals who were known for the...

Katab ali (Last name)

surnames > katab-ali

The last name "Katab Ali" is of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic word "katab," which means "he wrote" or "he is a writer."

Katabi (Last name)

surnames > katabi

The last name "Katabi" is of Arabic origin, derived from the word "قتابة" (qataba), which means "bookbinder" or "satchel maker." It is a common surname in Arabic-speaking coun...

Katabo (Last name)

surnames > katabo

The last name Katabo is of African origin, specifically from the Akan ethnic group in Ghana.

Katabs (Last name)

surnames > katabs

The last name "Katabs" has its origins in Middle Eastern countries, particularly in Lebanon and Syria. It is believed to be of Arabic origin, specifically derived from the Arabic w...

Kataģa (Last name)

surnames > kata-a

The last name Kataa has origins in the Swahili language. It is a common surname in Eastern Africa, especially in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. The name likely has a meaning in...

Kataka (Last name)

surnames > kataka

The last name "Kataka" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning. It is possible that it could be a surname originating from a particular region, tribe, or family lineage...

Katakath (Last name)

surnames > katakath

The surname Katakath is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Marathi word "katakath," which means clever or intelligent. It is likely an occupational surname for someone who wa...

Katake (Last name)

surnames > katake

The last name "Katake" is of Japanese origin. It is derived from the Japanese words "kata," meaning "pattern" or "shoulder," and "ke," meaning "hair" or "fur."

Katakwal (Last name)

surnames > katakwal

The last name Katakwal is of African origin, specifically from the Hausa people of Nigeria and surrounding regions. It is derived from a combination of the Hausa words "kata" meani...

Katalan (Last name)

surnames > katalan

The surname Katalan is believed to have originated from the Catalan region of Spain. The term "Catalan" typically refers to the people and culture of this region, which includes th...

Katalkar (Last name)

surnames > katalkar

The last name Katalkar originates from India. It is a Marathi surname typically found in the state of Maharashtra.

Katam (Last name)

surnames > katam

The last name "Katam" is of Indian origin, specifically from the Telugu-speaking regions of southern India. It is a common surname among Telugu-speaking people and is believed to b...

Katam yesu (Last name)

surnames > katam-yesu

The last name "Katam Yesu" is of Indian origin. It is a combination of two words, "Katam" which means "carpenter" in Telugu, and "Yesu" which is a common Indian Christian first nam...

Katama (Last name)

surnames > katama

The surname "Katama" is of African origin. It is a name commonly found among the Akan people of Ghana and means "strength" or "power."